HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?

 

"The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it."     

                                                                                             W.James      

 

Two questions intrigue all of us throughout our lives;

• What do we want in life?     

• How do we get what we want?

 

Our entire life is consumed running after 'perceived' happiness. Mind you, I am not holding any judgmental glasses here. But I do want to put a poser here – how many of us end up asking a more important question – How would we like to be remembered?

 

A retort: If you do not care about leaving any legacy, you should not read further!

 

We influence people around us daily by what we say, do or create. Our behaviour and attitude towards others are the critical determinants of our image in others' minds. 

 

Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

 

Legacy is like sowing the seeds for plants you would not see. It is only in our hands to ensure these seeds bear fragrant, beautiful flowers. Looking 'beyond yourself' to extend warm helping hands to others is a humane way of conduct. Gandhiji said: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." 

 

We must strive to leave a legacy in people rather than for people. Leaving behind bungalows, wealth, cars, etc., for our family is an inheritance (for them) but not a legacy by any stretch of the imagination. The way we live our lives, treat others & help others are the qualities we wish to leave behind in them. Culture is never taught; it is always caught. We have lived well if our children remember us as someone they want to emulate. This is the legacy of character, faith and love – the beautiful flowers you have sown seeds for.

 

Every human life is a story. Everyone would remember us for our story. Our story has to be strong enough to be carved into the hearts of others. Remember that even a small act of selfless kindness that makes some difference in others' lives will establish you in their hearts forever. Whatever we do for ourselves goes away with our death; what stays back is what we do for others.

 

If we have been leaders in some way or another, it would be apt to reminisce this thought from singer Dolly Parton: "If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." 

 

Death is inevitable and can strike anytime. It is up to us if we want to live as a tourist or a citizen! Let me quote Maya Angelou again: "If you are going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased". It is not essential to do big things, but it is crucial to do the things which make a positive difference in the lives of others.

 

To reiterate my loud thoughts, let me share a profound quote by Benjamin Franklin – "If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." 

 

Someone has commented – Ultimately, all graves go unattended. But life lived with compassion, empathy, love and respect for others would stay alive in the hearts touched upon. The only thing we take with us when we die is what we leave behind!

 

Steven Covey – the famous author – came up with a much higher dimension on legacy – "The need to leave a legacy is our spiritual need to have a sense of meaning, purpose, personal congruence, and contribution." 

 

Lord Krishna commands us to follow KARMA – the doctrine of life. Swami Vivekanand explains it simply: "No man is to be judged by the mere nature of his duties, but all should be judged by the manner and spirit in which they perform them. 

 

Let me end by wonderful words by Majrooh Sultanpuri –

इक दिन बिक जाएगा माटी के मोल, जग में रह जाएंगे प्यारे तेरे बोल 

दूजे के होंठों को देकर अपने गीत, कोई निशानी छोड़ फिर दुनिया से डोल

 

(One day, you will have to leave this world. The world will only remember your sweet words. Lend your songs for others to sing and leave your mark.)

 

Should we not strive to leave our footmarks?